Endoscope including a multifunction conductor

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, an endoscope includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be inserted into a body lumen. An electrical component is disposed within the distal end portion of the elongate member and configured to produce a signal. An elongate conductive mechanical component has a proximal end portion and a distal and portion. The distal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component is electrically coupled to the electrical component and configured to conduct the signal or electrical power from/to the electrical component to/from the proximal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/016,020, entitled “Endoscope Including a MultifunctionConductor,” filed Dec. 21, 2007, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a medical device and more particularly to anendoscope having a conductive mechanical component that can perform amechanical function and also conduct an electrical signal and/orelectrical power.

Endoscopes have applications in a wide variety of medical procedures.For example, one such procedure is directed to insertion of an endoscopeinto a body lumen of a patient to obtain images of a gastrointestinalsystem. A variety of different types of endoscopes have variousfunctionality. For example, some endoscopes can be used to image bodylumens and some endoscopes can be used to view a body lumen. Someendoscopes that provide multiple functions can often require multiplecomponents that are each related to a different function from a set ofmultiple functions. Such endoscopes can be large (e.g., large outerdiameter) preventing use in some applications. For example, some bodylumens, such as a ureter, can only receive a very small diameterendoscope.

A need exists for an endoscope having one or more components that canperform multiple functions, reducing the number of components needed tooperate the endoscope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an endoscope includes an elongate member having aproximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion isconfigured to be inserted into a body lumen. An electrical component isdisposed within the distal end portion of the elongate member andconfigured to produce a signal. An elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent has a proximal end portion and a distal and portion. Thedistal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component iselectrically coupled to the electrical component and configured toconduct the signal from the electrical component to the proximal endportion of the elongate conductive mechanical component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a medical device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a distal end view of a medical device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the medical device ofFIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the medicaldevice of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are each a side view of a portion of the medical device ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a distal end view of a medical device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the medical device ofFIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of the medical device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a medical device according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a distal end view of a medical device according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the medical device ofFIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a medical deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of a medical device shown operativelycoupled to a visual display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The medical devices described herein can be used in a variety ofdifferent body lumens of a patient, such as, for example, agastrointestinal lumen, a vascular lumen, a ureteral lumen, etc. Asdescribed herein, a medical device can include an electrical componentdisposed at a distal end portion of the medical device that can generatean electrical signal. The electrical component can be, for example, animaging device, such as a charge coupled device (CCD), a pressuresensor, or a temperature sensor. For example, in some embodiments, theelectrical signal can be an imaging signal. The electrical signal canthen be conducted to a proximal end portion of the medical device to,for example, a processor or display monitor. The electrical signal canbe conducted to the proximal end of the medical device using a componentof the medical device that also provides a mechanical function. Forexample, a conductive mechanical component coupled to the electricalcomponent can be used to perform a mechanical function and an electricalfunction such as conducting electrical power to the electrical componentor conducting a signal produced by the electrical component.

Using a conductive mechanical component to serve as the electricaltransmission medium for an electrical component can reduce the number ofcomponents of the medical device, and thus can also reduce the size ofthe medical device. For example, in some embodiments, a medical device(also referred to herein as an endoscope) can include an imaging device(e.g., a CCD) at a distal end portion of the endoscope, and a steeringcomponent electrically coupled (e.g., conductively) to the imagingdevice. The steering component can be used to mechanically maneuver theendoscope within a body lumen and can also serve as the transmissionmedium for an imaging signal generated by the imaging device.

In one embodiment, an endoscope includes an elongate member having aproximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion isconfigured to be inserted into a body lumen. An electrical component isdisposed within the distal end portion of the elongate member andconfigured to produce a signal. An elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent has a proximal end portion and a distal and portion. Thedistal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component iselectrically coupled to the electrical component and configured toconduct the signal from the electrical component to the proximal endportion of the elongate conductive mechanical component or to conductpower from the proximal end portion of the elongate conductivemechanical component to the electrical component.

In another embodiment, an endoscope includes an elongate member having aproximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion isassociated with a diameter of a body lumen. The elongate member has afirst configuration and a second configuration different than the firstconfiguration. An electrical component is coupled to a distal endportion of the elongate member. A steering component is electricallycoupled to the electrical component and coupled to the distal endportion of the elongate member. The steering component is configured toconduct a signal from the electrical component to the proximal endportion of the elongate member. The steering component is configured tomove the elongate member from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” refer to direction closer to and awayfrom, respectively, an operator (e.g., surgeon, physician, nurse,technician, etc.) who would insert the medical device into the patient,with the tip-end (i.e., distal end) of the device inserted inside apatient's body. Thus, for example, the endoscope end inserted inside apatient's body would be the distal end of the endoscope, while theendoscope end outside a patient's body would be the proximal end of theendoscope.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a medical device according to anembodiment of the invention. A medical device 100 (also referred hereinas an “endoscope”) includes an elongate member 102 having a proximal endportion 106 and a distal end portion 104. The distal end portion 104 canbe inserted at least partially into a body lumen of a patient. Anelectrical component 108, such as an imaging device, or a pressure ortemperature sensor, can be coupled to the distal end portion 104 of theelongate member 102. For example, an electrical component 108 can bedisposed within a lumen (not shown) of the distal end portion 104 of theelongate member 102. The electrical component 108 can produce anelectrical signal, such as, for example, an imaging signal, or a signalindicating a pressure or a temperature measured at or proximate to thedistal end portion 104 of the elongate member 102.

A first elongate conductive mechanical component 110 has a proximal endportion 112 and a distal end portion 114. The distal end portion 114 ofthe first elongate conductive mechanical component 110 is electricallycoupled to the electrical component 108. The first elongate conductivemechanical component 110 can perform a mechanical function of theendoscope 100 and also be used to conduct a signal from the electricalcomponent 108 to the proximal end portion 112 of the first elongateconductive mechanical component 110. For example, the first elongateconductive mechanical component 110 can be a steering component, such asa steering wire, used to maneuver the distal end portion 104 of theelongate member 102. The first elongate conductive mechanical component110 can alternatively be a braided wire disposed around the elongatemember 102 and used to provide structural support to the elongate member102. Thus, the first elongate conductive mechanical component 110 can bea variety of different configurations and used to perform a variety ofdifferent mechanical functions while also providing the transmissionmeans for an electrical signal (or electrical power) generated by orconducted to the electrical component 108.

The proximal end portion 112 of the first elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent 110 can be operatively coupled to, for example, a processor130. The processor 130 can be coupled to a display monitor 132, whichcan display an image produced by an imaging device as described above.In some embodiments, the proximal end portion 112 of the first elongateconductive mechanical component 110 can also, or optionally, beelectrically coupled to a processor 130 configured to receive,manipulate, process and/or conduct the signal to another device, such asthe display monitor 132.

The endoscope 100 can optionally include a second elongate conductivemechanical component 120 having a proximal end portion 122 and a distalend portion 124. The second elongate conductive mechanical component 120can have the same or different configuration as the first elongateconductive mechanical component 110. The proximal end portion 122 of thesecond elongate conductive mechanical component 120 can be electricallycoupled to a power source 134. The distal end portion 124 of the secondelongate conductive mechanical component 120 can be electrically coupledto the electrical component 108. As with the first elongate conductivemechanical component 110, the second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent 120 can perform a mechanical function and also be used toperform an electrical function of the endoscope 100. For example, thesecond elongate conductive mechanical component 120 can be, a steeringcomponent, such as a steering wire, used together with the firstelongate conductive mechanical component 110 to maneuver the distal endportion 104 of the elongate member 102 within a body lumen. Theelectrical function of the second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent 120 can be, for example, to conduct electrical power from thepower source 134 to the electrical component 108 via the second elongateconductive mechanical component 120. In some embodiments, the secondelongate conductive mechanical component 120 can be used for otherfunctions, for example, to conduct heat to or remove heat from thedistal end portion of the endoscope 100.

In one example, use of the endoscope 100, the elongate member 102 can bemaneuvered within a body lumen of a patient using the first elongateconductive mechanical component 110 and/or the second elongateconductive mechanical component 120 as steering components. In such anembodiment, the elongate member 102 can be moved between a substantiallystraight configuration and a curved configuration while disposed withina body lumen. The first and second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponents 110 and 120 can be selectively actuated via an actuator orcontrol device (not shown) coupled to the first and second elongateconductive mechanical components 110 and 120 as described in more detailbelow with specific reference to specific embodiments. As the firstelongate conductive mechanical component 110 and/or the second elongateconductive mechanical component 120 are actuated, the distal end portion104 of the elongate member 102 will move or bend in response to theactuation.

In some embodiments, the second elongate conductive mechanical component120 can alternatively be used, for example, to conduct a second signalfrom the electrical component 108 to the proximal end portion 122 of thesecond elongate conductive mechanical component 120. In yet anotheralternative embodiment, the second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent 120 can be used to receive a second signal from the electricalcomponent 108 at the proximal end portion 122 of the second elongateconductive mechanical component 120. The proximal end portion 122 of thesecond elongate conductive mechanical component 120 can also, oroptionally be electrically coupled to the processor 130 and/or displaymonitor 132.

In an alternative embodiment, the electrical functionalities of thefirst and second elongate conductive mechanical components 110 and 120can be reversed. For example, the electrical function of the secondelongate conductive mechanical component 120 can be to conduct a signalproduced by the endoscopic imager 308 to the proximal end portion 306 ofthe elongate member 302. The electrical functionality of the firstelongate conductive mechanical component 110 can be to conductelectrical power from the proximal end portion 306 of the elongatemember 302 to the endoscopic imager 308.

In some embodiments, the endoscope 100 can include a second electricalcomponent (not shown) coupled to the distal end portion 104 of theelongate member 102. The second electrical component can be, forexample, an endoscopic imager, a thermal sensor, a pressure sensor, adetector, or the like. An example of such an endoscope is describedbelow with reference to FIG. 8.

FIGS. 2-6 illustrate a medical device according to an embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an endoscope 200 includes anelongate member 202 having a distal end portion 204 and a proximal endportion 206. An electrical component 208 is disposed within the distalend portion 204 of the elongate member 202. The electrical component 208in this embodiment is an imaging device (e.g., CCD). In otherembodiments, the electrical component can be, a CMOS imager, a thermalsensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. The proximal endportion 206 of the elongate member 202 can be operatively coupled to avisual display (not shown) and/or a processor (not shown).

The endoscope 200 includes a first steering component 210, a secondsteering component 220, a third steering component 280 and a fourthsteering component 282. The steering components 210, 220, 280 and 282each have a mechanical function and an electrical function. The steeringcomponents 210, 220, 280 and 282 can each be, for example, steeringwires or cables. The first steering component 210 has a proximal endportion 212 and a first distal end portion 214. The first distal endportion 214 of the first steering component 210 is electrically coupledto the electrical component 208. The proximal end portion 212 of thefirst steering component 210 can be coupled to, for example, the visualdisplay and/or processor. The first steering component 210 can be usedto conduct a signal generated by the electrical component 208 to theproximal end portion 212 of the first steering component 210. In someembodiments, the first steering component 210 can conduct the signalfrom the electrical component 208 to the visual display and/or processorcoupled to the proximal end portion 212 of the first steering component210. For example, an image associated with the image signal can bedisplayed on the display monitor.

Similarly, the second steering component 220 has a proximal end portion222 and a first distal end portion 224. The first distal end portion 224of the second steering component 220 is electrically coupled to theelectrical component 208. The proximal end portion 222 of the secondsteering component 220 can be coupled to a power source (not shown). Thesecond steering component 220 can be used as a transmission medium toconduct electrical power from the power source to the electricalcomponent 208.

Similarly, the third steering component 280 and the fourth steeringcomponent 282 each have a proximal end portion (not shown) and a firstdistal end portion (not shown). The first distal end portions of boththe third steering component 280 and the fourth steering component 280are electrically coupled to the electrical component 208. The proximalend portion of the third steering component 280 can be coupled to, forexample, the visual display and/or processor. The third steeringcomponent 280 can be used as a transmission medium to conduct a signalgenerated by the electrical component 208 to the proximal end portion ofthe third steering component 280. The proximal end portion of the fourthsteering component 282 can be coupled to the power source. The fourthsteering component 282 can be used as a transmission medium to conductelectrical power from the power source to the electrical component 208.

In this embodiment, the first steering component 210 and the thirdsteering component 280 conduct different signals (e.g., S+ and S−,respectively) from the electrical component 208 to the visual displayand/or processor. The second steering component 220 and the fourthsteering component 282 conduct collectively electrical power (e.g., P+and P−, respectively) from the power source to the electrical component208. In one embodiment, the first and third steering components canconduct the same signal from the electrical component 208 to the visualdisplay and/or processor. In another embodiment, the first steeringcomponent can conduct electrical power from the power source to theelectrical component. In such an embodiment, the second, third andfourth steering components can conduct a signal from the electricalcomponent to the visual display and/or processor.

Returning to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-6, the first steeringcomponent 210 is disposed, in part, within a lumen 225 of the elongatemember 202 as shown in FIG. 3. A second distal end portion 217 of thefirst steering component 210 is disposed through a first aperture 218 ofthe elongate member 202 and along a portion of an outer surface of theelongate member 202. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a distal end 216 of thesecond distal end portion 217 is coupled to the distal end portion 204of the elongate member 202. Similarly, the second steering component 220is disposed, in part, within the lumen 225 of the elongate member 202. Asecond distal end portion 227 of the second steering component 220 isdisposed through a second aperture 228 of the elongate member 202 andalong a portion of the outer surface of the elongate member 202. Adistal end 226 of the second distal end portion 227 is coupled to thedistal end portion 204 of the elongate member 202. In some embodiments,the first steering component 210 and the second steering component 220are each hermetically sealed to the respective aperture 218 and 228, toinhibit fluids outside the endoscope 200 from entering into the lumen225 of the elongate member 202. In some embodiments, the first, second,third and fourth steering components 210, 220, 280 and/or 282 caninclude an insulation layer (i.e., an electrically-insulative layer).

In the illustrated embodiment, the third steering component 280 isdisposed, in part, within the lumen 225 of the elongate member 202. Asecond distal end portion (not shown) of the third steering component280 is disposed through a third aperture (not shown) of the elongatemember 202 and along a portion of the outer surface of the elongatemember 202. A distal end (not shown) of the second distal end portion ofthe third steering component 280 is coupled to the distal end portion204 of the elongate member 202. Similarly, the fourth steering component282 is disposed, in part, within the lumen 225 of the elongate member202. A second distal end portion 284 of the fourth steering component282 is disposed through a fourth aperture (not shown) of the elongatemember and along a portion of the outer surface of the elongate member202. A distal end 286 of the second distal end portion 284 is coupled tothe distal end portion 204 of the elongate member 202. In someembodiments, the third steering component 280 and the fourth steeringcomponent 282 are each hermetically sealed to the respective aperture,to inhibit fluids outside the endoscope 200 from entering into the lumen225 of the elongate member 202.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second distal end portion of thethird steering component 280 is positioned such that a distance betweenthe second distal end portion of the third steering component 280 andthe second distal end portion 217 of the first steering component 210 issubstantially equal to a distance between the second distal end portionof the third steering component 280 and the second distal end portion227 of the second steering component 220. The second distal end portion284 of the fourth steering component 282 is positioned such that adistance between the second distal end portion 284 of the fourthsteering component 282 and the second distal end portion 217 of thefirst steering component 210 is substantially equal to a distancebetween the second distal end portion 284 of the fourth steeringcomponent 282 and the second distal end portion 227 of the secondsteering component 220.

The steering components 210, 220, 280 and 282 can each be selectivelyactuated to maneuver and steer the distal end portion 204 of theelongate member 202 while disposed within a body lumen of a patient.More specifically, a torque can be produced at the distal end portion204 of the elongate member 202 in response to a movement in the proximaldirection by either the first or second steering components 210 and 220,causing the elongate member 202 to bend or turn, as shown in FIGS. 5 and6. For example, the elongate member 202 can be moved between a firstconfiguration, in which the distal end portion 204 of the elongatemember 202 is substantially straight, as shown in FIG. 3, and a secondconfiguration as shown in FIG. 5 or 6, in which the distal end portion204 of the elongate member 202 is curved. FIG. 5 illustrates theelongate member 202 curved in a first direction, by actuating thesteering component 210. FIG. 6 illustrates the elongate member 202curved in an opposite direction by actuating steering component 220.Similarly, a torque can be produced at the distal end portion 204 of theelongate member 202 in response to a movement in the proximal directionby either the third or fourth steering components 280 and 282, causingthe elongate member 202 to bend or turn. In other words, the elongatemember 202 can move between the substantially straight configuration, asshown in FIG. 3, and a curved configuration similar to that shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.

In this embodiment, the first and second steering components 210 and 220bend the elongate member 202 within a plane substantially perpendicularto a plane within which the third and fourth steering components 280 and282 bend the elongate member 202. For example, the first and secondsteering components 210 and 220 can bend the elongate member 202 in anup direction and a down direction, respectively. The third and fourthsteering components 280 and 282 can bend the elongate member 202 in afirst lateral direction and second lateral direction, respectively. Thesecond lateral direction is opposite to the first lateral direction.Specifically, each of the steering components 210, 220, 280 and 282 bendthe elongate member 202 in a direction different from one another. Acombination of the steering components 210, 220, 280 and 282 can bendthe elongate member 202 in a direction different from the abovementioned directions. For example, the first steering component 210 andthe third steering component 280 can collectively bend the elongatemember 202 in a direction that is both in the up direction and the firstlateral direction. For example, the second steering component 220 andthe fourth steering component 282 can collectively bend the elongatemember 202 in a direction that is both in the down direction and thesecond lateral direction. In some embodiments, the directions the firstand second steering components bend the elongate member are notopposite. In some embodiments, the directions the third and fourthsteering components bend the elongate member are not opposite.

Although in this embodiment, the distal ends 216 and 226 of the steeringcomponents 210 and 220, respectively, are coupled to the outer surfaceof the elongate member 202, the steering components 210 and 220 canalternatively be coupled to an inner portion of the distal end portion204 of the elongate member 202. In some embodiments, the distal end ofthe third steering component 280 and the distal end 286 of the fourthsteering component 282 can be coupled to an inner portion of the distalend portion 204 of the elongate member 202. In other embodiments, thedistal ends of the steering components can be integrated into the distalend portion of the elongate member. In another embodiment, the steeringcomponents 210, 220, 280 and 282 can include a shape memory alloyconfigured to bend the distal end portion 204 of the elongate member 202in response to a change of the load applied by the steering components210, 220, 280 and 282.

As stated above, in this embodiment, the electrical component 208 is animaging device 208. The endoscope 200 includes a lens 226 disposedwithin the lumen 225 of the distal end portion 204. A focal planedefined by the lens 226 corresponds to the position of the imagingdevice 208. The lens 226 can have one of a variety of different lensconfigurations, including for example, biconvex, plano-convex,convex-concave, meniscus, plano-concave, biconcave, etc. Each lensconfiguration defines, at least in part, the position of the focalplane. The lens configuration of the lens 226 also defines, at least inpart, the magnification of the image produced by the endoscopic imager208. In other embodiments, more or less than two lenses can optionallybe used.

The imaging device 208 can produce an image focused by the lens 226 sothat the image can be output to a processor or display monitor asdescribed previously. The imaging device 208 can be any of a variety ofdifferent imaging devices, including for example, a charge coupleddevice (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor,an active pixel sensor, a thermal imaging sensor, a video camera tube, agamma camera sensor, a x-ray sensor, or the like.

The medical device 200 also includes an actuator 240 as shown in FIG. 4.The actuator 240 is coupled to a proximal end portion 212 and 222 of thesteering components 210 and 220, respectively. The actuator 240 can beused to selectively pull (apply a proximal force) on the steeringcomponents 210 and 220 to maneuver and steer the distal end portion 204of the elongate member 202. In this embodiment, the actuator 240includes a rotatable dial 242 operatively coupled to the first steeringcomponent 210 and the second steering component 220. The rotatable dial242 can be used to selectively move the first steering component 210and/or the second steering component 220. For example, the rotatabledial 242 can be rotated clockwise such that the first steering component210 is pulled proximally, and the distal end portion 204 of the elongatemember 202 is moved to a curved configuration, as shown in FIG. 5.Similarly, the rotatable dial 242 can be turned counterclockwise, suchthat the second steering component 220 is pulled proximally, and thedistal end portion 204 of the elongate member 202 is moved to a curvedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 6. The actuator 240 is just one exampleof an actuator that can be used to actuate the steering components 210and 220. In other embodiments, various other types and configurations ofactuators can alternatively be used. For example, a proximal end portionof each of the steering components can extend outside of the patientsbody such that a user can selectively pull one of the steeringcomponents proximally. In another alternative embodiment, the rotatabledial 242 can pull the one steering component and push the other steeringcomponent or vice-versa.

In the illustrated embodiment, although the actuator 240 depicts thefirst and second steering components 210 and 220, it should beunderstood that the actuator 240 can also include the third and fourthsteering components 280 and 282. In some embodiments, a second actuatorhaving similar components is coupled to the proximal end portion of theelongate member to selectively actuate the third and fourth steeringcomponents.

FIGS. 7 and 9 are a distal end view and side view, respectively, of amedical device according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of the medical device taken along the line 8-8of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 8, an endoscope 300 includes an elongatemember 302 having a proximal end portion 306 and a distal end portion304. The distal end portion 304 of the elongate member 302 includes alens 326 and an electrical component 308. As with the previousembodiment, the electrical component 308 is an endoscopic imager 308. Aconductive elongate component 354 is electrically coupled to theendoscopic imager 308 and can provide electrical power to or conduct asignal produced by the endoscopic imager 308 to a processor (not shown)and/or a display monitor (not shown) disposed at the proximal endportion 306 of the elongate member 302.

An elongate conductive mechanical component 350 is disposed about atleast a portion of an outer surface 356 of the elongate member 302. Inthis embodiment, the elongate conductive mechanical component 350includes multiple interwoven wires forming a braid-type configuration,and having a cylindrical shape. The elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent 350 (also referred to as braided wire 350) has an electricalfunction and a mechanical function. The braided wire 350 is electricallycoupled to the endoscopic imager 308 via a connector(s) 352. A proximalend portion (not shown) of the braided wire 350 can be coupled to avisual display (not shown) and/or processor (not shown). The braidedwire 350 can be used to conduct electrical power from the proximal endportion 306 of the elongate member 302 (e.g., from a power source (notshown)) to the endoscopic imager 308 to enable the endoscopic imager 308to produce an imaging signal. The braided wire 350 can also be used tostructurally support the elongate member 302 and/or other mechanicalfunctions. For example, the braided wire 350 can provide torquestrength, stiffness and puncture resistance. The braided wire 350 canalso include an insulation layer (not shown) disposed about theindividual wires. Alternatively, the braided wire 350 can be encased orsurrounded by an insulation layer or coating (not shown). Although, inthis embodiment, the braided wire 350 is disposed about at least aportion of the outer surface 356 of the elongate member 302 (e.g.,separate from the elongate member 302), it should be understood that thebraided wire 350 can be embedded within the elongate member 302 ordisposed within an internal lumen (e.g., a working channel) defined bythe elongate member 302.

In this embodiment, the braided wire 350 has interwoven wires forming amesh or network configuration. That said, it should be understood thatthe elongate conductive mechanical component 350 can have otherconfigurations while still providing structural support to the elongatemember 202. For example, in some embodiments, the elongate conductivemechanical component can include multiple longitudinally extending(e.g., extending in a proximal-to-distal direction) members disposedabout the outer surface of the elongate member 202 with connectionsbetween the elongate members at spaced locations along a longitudinallength of the elongate member 202.

In an alternative embodiment, the electrical functionalities of thebraided wire 350 and the conductive elongate component 354 can bereversed. For example, the electrical function of the braided wire 350can be to conduct a signal produced by the endoscopic imager 308 to theproximal end portion 306 of the elongate member 302. The electricalfunctionality of the conductive elongate component 354 can be to conductelectrical power from a power source at the proximal end portion 306 ofthe elongate member 302 to the endoscopic imager 308.

In another alternative embodiment, the braided wire 350 is a firstbraided wire 350. The endoscope 300 can include a second braided wire(not shown) having a cylindrical configuration and disposed about atleast a portion of an outer surface of the first braided wire 350. Thesecond braided wire can be electrically coupled to the endoscopic imager308 and configured to conduct a signal from the endoscopic imager 308 tothe proximal end portion 306 of the elongate member 302. The electricalfunctionality of the first braided wire 350 and the second braided wirecan also be reversed.

In some embodiments, the endoscope can be shielded by the braided wireand other devices, such as, for example, the processor, the displaymonitor, etc., can be separately shielded to collectively shield theendoscope system. For example, the braided wire can provideelectromagnetic (EM) and/or noise protection to the endoscope. A paintdisposed along an interior wall of the display monitor can provide EMand/or noise protection to the display monitor. In other words, thebraided wire can inhibit EM energy from entering the elongate memberfrom outside the elongate member or from leaving the elongate member. Insome embodiments, a second braided wire can be disposed within theelongate member can provide electrical power to the endoscopic imagerand/or conduct a signal from the endoscopic imager.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a cross-sectional view and a side view,respectively, of a medical device according to another embodiment of theinvention. As shown an FIG. 10, an endoscope 400 includes an elongatemember 402 having a distal end portion 404 and a proximal end portion406. The distal end portion 404 of the elongate member 402 can beinserted into a patient. The proximal end portion 406 of the elongatemember 402 can be operatively coupled to a display monitor (not shown).As with the previous embodiment, the distal end portion 404 of theelongate member 402 includes a lens 426 and an endoscopic imager 408that can receive optical energy and produce a signal based on theoptical energy.

In this embodiment, a first elongate conductive mechanical component410, a second elongate conductive mechanical component 420, a thirdelongate conductive mechanical component 480 and a fourth elongateconductive mechanical component 482 are each disposed about at least aportion of an outer surface 456 of the elongate member 402. The multipleelongate conductive mechanical components 410, 420, 480 and 482 areinterwoven with one another to collectively form a braid-typeconfiguration having a cylindrical shape. Each of the elongateconductive mechanical components 410, 420, 480 and 482 have anelectrical function and a mechanical function. Collectively, theelongate conductive mechanical components 410, 420, 480 and 482 canstructurally support the elongate member 402. For example, the elongateconductive mechanical components 410, 420, 480 and 482 can,collectively, provide torque strength, stiffness and punctureresistance. The elongate conductive mechanical components 410, 420, 480and 482 are electrically coupled to the endoscopic imager 408 viaconnection members 411, 421, 481 and 483, respectively. The firstelongate conductive mechanical component 410 and the second elongateconductive mechanical component 420 are coupled to a processor (notshown) and/or the display monitor. The third elongate conductivemechanical component 480 and the fourth elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent 482 are coupled to a power source (not shown).

As described above, the elongate conductive mechanical components 410,420, 480 and 482 each have an electrical function. The first elongateconductive mechanical component 410 can conduct a first signal (e.g.,S+) from the endoscopic imager 408 to the processor and/or the displaymonitor. The second elongate conductive mechanical component 420 canconduct a second signal (e.g., S−) different from the first signal fromthe endoscopic imager 408 to the processor and/or display monitor. Thethird elongate conductive mechanical component 480 can conduct a firstelectrical power (e.g., P+) from the power source to the endoscopicimager 408 to enable the endoscopic imager 408 to produce an imagingsignal. The fourth elongate conductive mechanical component 482 canconduct a second electrical power (e.g., P−) different from the firstelectrical power from the power source to the endoscopic imager 408.Each of the elongate conductive mechanical components 410, 420, 480 and482 have an insulation layer. In some embodiments, the endoscope caninclude more or less than four elongate conductive mechanicalcomponents.

Although, in this embodiment, the elongate conductive mechanicalcomponents 410, 420, 480 and 482 are disposed about at least a portionof the outer surface 456 of the elongate member 402 (e.g., separate fromthe elongate member 402), it should be understood that the elongateconductive mechanical components 410, 420, 480 and 482 can be embeddedwithin the elongate member 402 or disposed within an internal lumen(e.g., a working channel) defined by the elongate member 402.

In some embodiments, the first elongate conductive mechanical componentand the second elongate conductive mechanical component can conduct thesame signal (e.g., an imaging signal based on tissue distal the elongatemember) from the endoscopic imager to the processor and/or displaymonitor. In some embodiments, one of the elongate conductive mechanicalcomponents can conduct electrical power from the power source to theendoscopic imager. The other elongate conductive mechanical componentscan conduct one or more signals from the endoscopic imager to theprocessor and/or display monitor. In other embodiments, one of theelongate conductive mechanical components can conduct a signal from theendoscopic imager to the processor and/or display monitor. The otherelongate conductive mechanical components can conduct electrical powerfrom the power source to the endoscopic imager.

In some embodiments, the elongate conductive mechanical componentsprovide EM or noise shielding. In some embodiments, a protective paintcan be disposed along surfaces of various components (e.g., the elongatemember, the display monitor) to provide EM or noise shielding.

In some embodiments, a control or feedback signal can be sent from theproximal end portion of the elongate member to the endoscopic imager viaone of the elongate conductive mechanical components. The control orfeedback signal can, for example, reduce the illuminating intensity ofan illumination source when the detector becomes saturated due to a toobright image. For example, the detector can be a temperature sensor andthe electrical function of the first elongate conductive component canbe to help control temperature of tissue at or near the distal end ofthe elongate medical device when disposed within the patient. The amountof electrical power to produce heat can be adjusted to change thetemperature of the tissue based on a control and/or feedback signal.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a medical device according to anotherembodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a distal end view of a medicaldevice 500. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the medical device 500taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, theendoscope 500 includes an elongate member 502 having a proximal endportion 506 and a distal end portion 504. The elongate member 502defines a first lumen 566 and a second lumen 564. A first lens 526 and asecond lens 528 are disposed within the first lumen 566 at the distalend portion 504 of the elongate member 502. An endoscopic imager 508 isalso disposed within the lumen 566 at the distal end portion 504 of theelongate member 502, and is coupled to a conductive elongate member 554that extends through the lumen 566 of the proximal end portion 506 ofthe elongate member 502. As with the previous embodiment, the conductiveelongate component 554 is electrically coupled to the endoscopic imager508 and is configured to conduct a signal produced by the endoscopicimager 508 to the proximal end portion 506 of the elongate member 502and to, for example, a processor (not shown) and/or display monitor (notshown).

The second lumen 564 (e.g., channel) is configured to receive a medicaldevice or tool therethrough. For example, the second lumen 564 extendsbetween the proximal end portion 506 of the elongate member 502 and thedistal end portion 504 of the elongate member 502. A medical device tool560, such as, for example, forceps, can be slidably moved from theproximal end portion 506 of the elongate member 502 to the distal endportion 504 of the elongate member 502 to access tissue located within abody lumen at or near the distal end portion 504 of the elongate member502. The mechanical device tool 560 can be used to perform a medicalprocedure such as to remove polyps from the body lumen, and can also beused to conduct an electrical signal to or from the electrical component508. For example, a conductive connector 562 can extend through anopening 518 in a wall of the elongate member 502 to electrically couplethe endoscopic imager 508 to the medical tool 560. The conductiveconnector 562 can engage (e.g., contact) the medical device tool 560upon passage of the medical tool distally through the second lumen 564,as shown in FIG. 13. Thus, as the medical tool is being used to performa medical procedure within a body lumen, it can also conduct electricalpower from a power source (not shown) to the endoscopic imager 508 viathe conductive connector 562. In such an embodiment, the handle of themedical tool used by the operator can be electrically insulated.

In an alternative embodiment, the electrical functionality of themedical device tool 560 and the conducive elongate component 554 can bereversed. For example, the medical device tool 560 can be used toconduct a signal from the endoscopic imager 508 to, for example, adisplay monitor and/or processor. The conductive elongate component 554can be used to conduct electrical power from a power source to theendoscopic imager 508.

In some embodiments, the medical device tool 560 can also include anelectrical component (not shown). The medical device tool 560 canconduct electrical power from a power source to the electrical componentof the medical device tool 560. The electrical component of the medicaldevice tool 560 can include, for example, an imager, a detector, asensor, etc.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using an endoscopeaccording to an embodiment of the invention. At 670, a distal endportion of an elongate medical device is inserted into a body lumen. Theelongate medical device can be, for example, an embodiment of anendoscope as described herein. For example, the elongate medical devicecan include an electrical component disposed within a distal end portionof the elongate medical device and can include a first elongateconductive mechanical component. The first elongate conductivemechanical component can perform a mechanical function and also serve asa transmission medium for conducting electrical power to the electricalcomponent or conducting a signal generated by the electrical componentto, for example, a processor or display monitor. The elongate medicaldevice can optionally include a second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent that can perform a mechanical function and also be used toconduct an electrical signal to or from the electrical component. Forexample, in some embodiments, the distal end portion of the medicaldevice is moved by the first elongate conductive mechanical componentand/or the second elongate conductive mechanical component as describedherein.

At 672, electrical power is conducted from a power source to theelectrical component via, for example, the first elongate conductivemechanical component. At 674, an imaging signal is produced by theelectrical component. At 676, the imaging signal is conducted from theelectrical component to, for example, a processor or display monitor viathe second elongate conductive mechanical component. At 678, an imageassociated with the imaging signal is displayed on a display monitorcoupled to the medical device based on the imaging signal, a temperaturesignal, a pressure signal, a feedback control signal or the like. At679, the elongate medical device can perform a feedback task asdiscussed above.

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view illustrating a medical device shownoperatively coupled to a display monitor 732 and a processor 730. Theprocessor 730 is coupled to the display monitor 732 and a power source734. A first and second elongate conductive mechanical component 710 and720 of an endoscope 700 are shown coupled to a display monitor 732 suchthat an image produced by an electrical component at a distal endportion 704 of the endoscope 700 can be output to the display monitor732. Electrical power can be sent from the power source 734 to thedistal end portion 704 of the endoscope 700 via at least one of thefirst and second elongate conductive mechanical components 710 and 720.In this embodiment, the endoscope 700 includes an actuator 740 that canselectively move the distal end portion 704 of the endoscope 700 via thefirst and/or second elongate conductive mechanical components 710 and720. The endoscope 700 also includes a handle 791 coupled to theproximal end portion 706 of the endoscope 700. The handle 791 includesat least one control device, such as, for example, the actuator 740 tocontrol and maneuver the endoscope 700.

The endoscope can be formed from any appropriate material or materials,such as, for example, biocompatible polymers (e.g., rubber),biocompatible metals, or other biocompatible materials. For example, theelongate body of the endoscope can be formed with one or more materialssuch as, titanium, stainless steel, or the like. A portion of theendoscope, such as, for example, the distal end portion of the endoscopecan be formed of an opaque material. At least some or part of theendoscope can be a disposable device.

In one embodiment, an elongate member has a proximal end portion and adistal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be insertedinto a body lumen. An electrical component is disposed within the distalend portion of the elongate member and configured to produce a signal.An elongate conductive mechanical component has a proximal end portionand a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the elongateconductive mechanical component is electrically coupled to theelectrical component and configured to conduct at least one of thesignal from the electrical component to the proximal end portion of theelongate conductive mechanical component or electrical power from theproximal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component tothe electrical component.

In some embodiments, the elongate conductive mechanical component is afirst elongate conductive mechanical component. A second elongateconductive mechanical component has a proximal end portion and a distalend portion. The distal end portion of the second elongate conductivemechanical component is electrically coupled to the electricalcomponent. The second elongate conductive mechanical component isconfigured to conduct at least one of the signal from the electricalcomponent to the proximal end portion or the electrical power from theproximal end portion of the second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent to the electrical component.

In some embodiments, the signal is a first signal. The electrical poweris a first electrical power. The elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent is a first elongate conductive mechanical component. A secondelongate conductive mechanical component has a proximal end portion anda distal end portion. The distal end portion of the second elongateconductive mechanical component is electrically coupled to theelectrical component. The second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent is configured to conduct at least one of a second signal fromthe electrical component to the proximal end portion of the secondelongate conductive mechanical component or a second electrical powerfrom the proximal end portion to the electrical component.

In some embodiments, the elongate conductive mechanical component isconfigured to move the elongate member from a first configuration to asecond configuration. In some embodiments, the elongate conductivemechanical component is a braided wire having a cylindricalconfiguration and disposed about at least a portion of an outer surfaceof the elongate member. The elongate conductive mechanical component isconfigured to structurally support the elongate member.

In some embodiments, the electrical component is a first electricalcomponent. A second electrical component is coupled to the distal endportion of the elongate member. In some embodiments, the electricalcomponent is an endoscopic imager. In some embodiments, the proximal endportion of the elongate conductive mechanical component is coupled to avisual display.

In another embodiment, an elongate member has a proximal end portion anda distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to bereceived within a body lumen. The elongate member has a firstconfiguration and a second configuration different than the firstconfiguration. An electrical component is electrically coupled to thedistal end portion of the elongate member. A steering component iscoupled to the electrical component and coupled to the distal endportion of the elongate member. The steering component is configured toconduct at least one of a signal from the electrical component to theproximal end portion of the elongate member or electrical power from theproximal end portion of the elongate member to the electrical component.The steering component is configured to move the elongate member fromthe first configuration to the second configuration.

In some embodiments, the elongate member has a third configurationdifferent from the first configuration and the second configuration. Thesteering component is a first steering component. A second steeringcomponent is coupled to the electrical component and configured toconduct at least one of the signal from the proximal end portion of theelongate member or the electrical power from the proximal end portion ofthe elongate member to the electrical component. The second steeringcomponent is configured to move the elongate member from the firstconfiguration to the third configuration.

In some embodiments, a braided wire is disposed about at least a portionof the elongate member and coupled to the electrical component. Thebraided wire is configured to conduct electrical power from the proximalend portion of the elongate member to the electrical component. Thebraided wire is configured to structurally support the elongate member.In some embodiments, the braided wire includes an insulation layer.

In some embodiments, an actuator is coupled to the steering component.The steering component has a first position and a second positiondifferent than the first position. The first position is associated withthe first configuration of the elongate member. The second position isassociated with the second configuration of the elongate member. Theactuator is configured to move the steering component between the firstposition and the second position.

In some embodiments, the signal includes data associated with at leastone of an endoscopic image, a physical property, a temperature or apressure. In some embodiments, the steering component includes aninsulation layer. In some embodiments, the braided wire is formed from aplurality of wires and each wire from the plurality of wires includes aninsulation layer.

In yet another embodiment, a method includes inserting a distal endportion of an elongate medical device into a body lumen. The elongatemedical device includes an electrical component disposed within thedistal end portion of the elongate medical device and an elongateconductive mechanical component that has a proximal end portion and adistal end portion. The distal end portion of the elongate conductivemechanical component is conductively coupled to the electricalcomponent. The method includes producing a signal at the electricalcomponent and conducting the signal from the electrical component to theproximal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component.

In some embodiments, the elongate conductive mechanical component is afirst elongate conductive mechanical component. The medical deviceincludes a second elongate conductive mechanical component that has adistal end portion conductively coupled to the electrical component. Themethod includes conducting electrical power from a proximal end portionof the second elongate conductive mechanical component to the electricalcomponent. In some embodiments, the method includes moving the distalend portion of the medical device using the elongate conductivemechanical component.

In some embodiments, the elongate conductive mechanical component is afirst elongate conductive mechanical component. The medical deviceincludes a second elongate conductive mechanical component that has adistal end portion coupled to the electrical component. The methodincludes moving the distal end portion of the medical device by at leastone of the first elongate conductive mechanical component or the secondelongate conductive mechanical component.

In some embodiments, the producing includes producing an imaging signal.The method includes displaying an image associated with the imagingsignal on a display monitor coupled to the medical device based on theimaging signal.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, itshould be understood that they have been presented by way of exampleonly, and not limitation. Various changes in form and details of theembodiments can be made.

For example, the endoscopes described herein can include variouscombinations and/or sub-combinations of the components and/or featuresof the different embodiments described. The endoscopes described hereincan include one or more mechanical components that also have anelectrical function. In addition, an elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent as described herein can provide one or more mechanicalfunctions and/or one or more electrical functions.

An endoscope can have a variety of different shapes and sizes, andinclude a different quantity of lumens, and various different featuresand capabilities. For example, although the specific embodimentsdescribed herein illustrate an electrical component in the form of animaging device, other types of electrical components can alternativelybe included.

1. An apparatus, comprising: an elongate member having a proximal endportion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion configured tobe inserted into a body lumen; an electrical component disposed withinthe distal end portion of the elongate member and configured to producea signal; and an elongate conductive mechanical component having aproximal end portion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion ofthe elongate conductive mechanical component electrically coupled to theelectrical component and configured to transmit the signal from theelectrical component to the proximal end portion of the elongateconductive mechanical component.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe elongate conductive mechanical component is a first elongateconductive mechanical component, the apparatus further comprising: asecond elongate conductive mechanical component having a proximal endportion and a distal end portion, the distal end portion of the secondelongate conductive mechanical component being electrically coupled tothe electrical component, the second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent being configured to transmit electrical power from theproximal end portion of the second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent to the electrical component.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the signal is a first signal, the elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent is a first elongate conductive mechanical component, theapparatus further comprising: a second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, thedistal end portion of the second elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent being electrically coupled to the electrical component, thesecond elongate conductive mechanical component being configured totransmit a second signal from the electrical component to the proximalend portion of the second elongate conductive mechanical component. 4.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the elongate conductive mechanicalcomponent is configured to move the elongate member from a firstconfiguration to a second configuration.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the elongate conductive mechanical component is a braided wirehaving a cylindrical configuration and disposed about at least a portionof an outer surface of the elongate member, the elongate conductivemechanical component being configured to structurally support theelongate member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electricalcomponent is a first electrical component, the apparatus furthercomprising a second electrical component coupled to the distal endportion of the elongate member.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theelectrical component is an endoscopic imager.
 8. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the proximal end portion of the elongate conductivemechanical component is coupled to a visual display.
 9. An apparatus,comprising: an elongate member having a proximal end portion and adistal end portion, the distal end portion being associated with adiameter of a body lumen, the elongate member having a firstconfiguration and a second configuration different than the firstconfiguration; an electrical component electrically coupled to a distalend portion of the elongate member; and a steering component coupled tothe electrical component and coupled to the distal end portion of theelongate member, the steering component configured to transmit a signalfrom the electrical component to the proximal end portion of theelongate member, the steering component being configured to move theelongate member from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the elongate memberhas a third configuration different from the first configuration and thesecond configuration, the steering component is a first steeringcomponent, the apparatus further comprising: a second steering componentcoupled to the electrical component and configured to transmitelectrical power from the proximal end portion of the elongate member tothe electrical component, the second steering component configured tomove the elongate member from the first configuration to the thirdconfiguration.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: abraided wire disposed about at least a portion of the elongate memberand coupled to the electrical component, the braided wire configured totransmit electrical power from the proximal end portion of the elongatemember to the electrical component, the braided wire configured tostructurally support the elongate member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9,further comprising: an actuator coupled to the steering component, thesteering component having a first position and a second positiondifferent than the first position, the first position being associatedwith the first configuration of the elongate member, the second positionbeing associated with the second configuration of the elongate member,the actuator configured to move the steering component between the firstposition and the second position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, whereinthe signal includes data associated with an endoscopic image.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the steering component includes aninsulation layer.
 15. A method, comprising: inserting a distal endportion of an elongate medical device into a body lumen, the elongatemedical device including an electrical component disposed within thedistal end portion of the elongate medical device and an elongateconductive mechanical component having a proximal end portion and adistal end portion, the distal end portion of the elongate conductivemechanical device being conductively coupled to the electricalcomponent; producing a signal at the electrical component; andtransmitting the signal from the electrical component to the proximalend portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the elongate conductive mechanical componentis a first elongate conductive mechanical component, the medical deviceincludes a second elongate conductive mechanical component having adistal end portion conductively coupled to the electrical component, themethod further comprising: transmitting electrical power from a proximalend portion of the second elongate conductive mechanical component tothe electrical component.
 17. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: moving the distal end portion of the medical device usingthe elongate conductive mechanical component.
 18. The method of claim15, wherein the elongate conductive mechanical component is a firstelongate conductive mechanical component, the medical device includes asecond elongate conductive mechanical component having a distal endportion coupled to the electrical component, the method furthercomprising: moving the distal end portion of the medical device by atleast one of the first elongate conductive mechanical component or thesecond elongate conductive mechanical component.
 19. The method of claim15, wherein the producing includes producing an imaging signal.
 20. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the producing includes producing an imagingsignal, the method further comprising: displaying an image associatedwith the imaging signal on a display monitor coupled to the medicaldevice based on the imaging signal.